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Lent & Easter Information

A community of growing faith serving Lake Forest and the surrounding communities for over 60 years, called as people of God to follow Christ, make disciples & live the Gospel

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Pastor Amy Gillespie, Senior Pastor

Pastor Amy appreciates how the church offers opportunities to bring people together of all generations and backgrounds. She has a passion for intergenerational ministry, deepening faith formation for all ages, and a drive for community engagement.

The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away . . . the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Rejoice!

#verseoftheweek #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away . . . the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Rejoice!

#verseoftheweek #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Jesus doesn’t just see suffering. He walks alongside us in loneliness, sorrow, and struggle, transforming pain with love.

Join us at 10:00 am on Sunday. In person or online: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#GodWithUs #LentenHope #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Jesus doesn’t just see suffering. He walks alongside us in loneliness, sorrow, and struggle, transforming pain with love.

Join us at 10:00 am on Sunday. In person or online: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/livestream

#GodWithUs #LentenHope #stjameslutheranlakeforest

The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God’s invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God!

#verseoftheweek #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God’s invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God!

#verseoftheweek #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Jesus didn’t stay distant, he entered the messiness of life, breaking rules for the sake of healing and love. This Lent, how might you embrace God’s nearness?

#GodWithUs #LentReflection #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Jesus didn’t stay distant, he entered the messiness of life, breaking rules for the sake of healing and love. This Lent, how might you embrace God’s nearness?

#GodWithUs #LentReflection #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Join us Sunday morning at 10:00 am in person or online as we continue our Lenten journey. All are welcome!

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/worship

#lent #unbroken #livingfaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Join us Sunday morning at 10:00 am in person or online as we continue our Lenten journey. All are welcome!

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/worship

#lent #unbroken #livingfaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God-initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek God’s face again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.”

#verseoftheweek #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God-initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek God’s face again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.”

#verseoftheweek #lutheranchurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Join us Wednesday night for our Lenten Vespers Service at 7:30 pm. Better yet, come for dinner beforehand at 6:00 pm. It's a great way to meet people and have meaningful conversations to support you during this Lenten journey.

#lent #unbroken #livingfaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Join us Wednesday night for our Lenten Vespers Service at 7:30 pm. Better yet, come for dinner beforehand at 6:00 pm. It's a great way to meet people and have meaningful conversations to support you during this Lenten journey.

#lent #unbroken #livingfaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Make Lent an even more meaningful experience with guided spiritual practices and daily reflections.

Download here: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#Lent #Unbroken #LivingFaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Make Lent an even more meaningful experience with guided spiritual practices and daily reflections.

Download here: https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#Lent #Unbroken #LivingFaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

The Bible is more than words on a page—it’s a story passed down, boldly interpreted, and breathed to life by the Spirit. What new insights might God reveal to you today?

#LivingWord #LentJourney #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

The Bible is more than words on a page—it’s a story passed down, boldly interpreted, and breathed to life by the Spirit. What new insights might God reveal to you today?

#LivingWord #LentJourney #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

Make Lent an even more meaningful experience with guided spiritual practices and daily reflections. Visit our websote to download your devotional guide. https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#Lent #Unbroken #LivingFaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Make Lent an even more meaningful experience with guided spiritual practices and daily reflections. Visit our websote to download your devotional guide. https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#Lent #Unbroken #LivingFaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

We can’t wait to see you this Sunday at 10:00 am for worship as we begin the season of Lent!

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#church #sunday #lent #Unbroken #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

We can’t wait to see you this Sunday at 10:00 am for worship as we begin the season of Lent!

https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#church #sunday #lent #Unbroken #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God��’s grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.

#verseoftheweek #LutheranChurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God’s grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us.

#verseoftheweek #LutheranChurch #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Yet in Christ, even dust holds promise. As we begin Lent, may we embrace our humanity and trust in God’s power to bring life from dust.

Join us tonight for an Ash Wednesday Service at 7:30 pm.

#AshWednesday #FromDustToLife #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Yet in Christ, even dust holds promise. As we begin Lent, may we embrace our humanity and trust in God’s power to bring life from dust.

Join us tonight for an Ash Wednesday Service at 7:30 pm.

#AshWednesday #FromDustToLife #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Faith is passed down from generation to generation - it’s an unbroken line of ancestry that connects us all the way back to Jesus. The powers of the world wanted to break Jesus and yet this faith that we rest on is strong enough that they couldn’t do it. We are a part of this great tradition that will not and cannot be broken. Join us this Lenten season. For service times visit https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#Lent #Unbroken #LivingFaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Faith is passed down from generation to generation - it’s an unbroken line of ancestry that connects us all the way back to Jesus. The powers of the world wanted to break Jesus and yet this faith that we rest on is strong enough that they couldn’t do it. We are a part of this great tradition that will not and cannot be broken. Join us this Lenten season. For service times visit https://www.stjameslutheran.org/lent

#Lent #Unbroken #LivingFaith #stjameslutheranlakeforest

Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus reflect that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see God’s glory in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by God’s Spirit.

#verseoftheweek #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus reflect that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see God’s glory in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by God’s Spirit.

#verseoftheweek #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Thanks to everyone who attended our Annual Potluck and Game Night on Saturday! The food and fellowship were great, and fun was had by all. Even better, sandwiches were made, and bag lunches were assembled for @padslakecounty.

#godsworkourhands #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

Thanks to everyone who attended our Annual Potluck and Game Night on Saturday! The food and fellowship were great, and fun was had by all. Even better, sandwiches were made, and bag lunches were assembled for @padslakecounty.

#godsworkourhands #stjameslutheranlakeforest #lakeforestillinois

The #verseoftheweek for Sunday, February 23, 2025: Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the life-giving Spirit. It is a reflection of God’s glory revealed in Christ. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

The #verseoftheweek for Sunday, February 23, 2025: Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided. Such merciful living is the baptismal blessing of having put on Christ. It is the gift of the life-giving Spirit. It is a reflection of God’s glory revealed in Christ. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

The #verse of the week for Sunday, February 16, 2025: Blessings and curses abound on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany. We would do well to listen closely to whom the “blessed ares” and the “woe tos” are directed and to find our place in the crowd among those who desire to touch Jesus. The risen Christ stands among us in the mystery of the holy supper with an invitation to live in him, and offers power to heal us all. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

The #verse of the week for Sunday, February 16, 2025: Blessings and curses abound on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany. We would do well to listen closely to whom the “blessed ares” and the “woe tos” are directed and to find our place in the crowd among those who desire to touch Jesus. The risen Christ stands among us in the mystery of the holy supper with an invitation to live in him, and offers power to heal us all. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

Are looking for a 1/2 day pre-school option through the end of the spring? CrossWays Preschool & Celebration Childcare has openings for children as young as 2yrs old! We love our sister church Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville.

Are looking for a 1/2 day pre-school option through the end of the spring? CrossWays Preschool & Celebration Childcare has openings for children as young as 2yrs old! We love our sister church Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville.

The #verseoftheweek for Sunday, February 9, 2025: The fifth Sunday after Epiphany continues to highlight unlikely instruments and circumstances appointed to reveal God’s glory. “Who will go for us?” God asks. A person of unclean lips, a former persecutor of the church of God, and three fishermen who couldn’t catch a thing. More surprising still, perhaps, is that we are also called. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

The #verseoftheweek for Sunday, February 9, 2025: The fifth Sunday after Epiphany continues to highlight unlikely instruments and circumstances appointed to reveal God’s glory. “Who will go for us?” God asks. A person of unclean lips, a former persecutor of the church of God, and three fishermen who couldn’t catch a thing. More surprising still, perhaps, is that we are also called. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

Raise a cupcake in honor of our Bobbie! 🧁 She is celebrating her 100th birthday this week, and we celebrated her after this weekend's service. Here she is with our youngest member, and we marveled at the beauty of generations. We love you, Bobbie! ❤

Raise a cupcake in honor of our Bobbie! 🧁 She is celebrating her 100th birthday this week, and we celebrated her after this weekend's service. Here she is with our youngest member, and we marveled at the beauty of generations. We love you, Bobbie! ❤

The #verseoftheweek for Sunday, February 2, 2025 - Presentation of Our Lord. The Presentation of Our Lord is referred to in some corners of the church as Candlemas because of an ancient tradition of blessing all the candles to be used in the church in the coming year at the mass celebrated on that day. It was a way of underscoring the truth of Simeon’s confession that this baby Jesus was “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and a light for glory to Israel. Let the light of every candle in church be a little epiphany of the love of God for all people in the person of God’s son, Jesus, the light of the world. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

The #verseoftheweek for Sunday, February 2, 2025 - Presentation of Our Lord. The Presentation of Our Lord is referred to in some corners of the church as Candlemas because of an ancient tradition of blessing all the candles to be used in the church in the coming year at the mass celebrated on that day. It was a way of underscoring the truth of Simeon’s confession that this baby Jesus was “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and a light for glory to Israel. Let the light of every candle in church be a little epiphany of the love of God for all people in the person of God’s son, Jesus, the light of the world. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

A special message from the Illinois Synod Bishops:

The Gospel according to Luke 4:

16When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

In churches across Illinois, this gospel was read on Sunday, January 26. It is a moment in which Jesus reads the words of the prophet Isaiah as the guiding light, the mission, for his work on earth.

It is also the mission of his church.

(Continued in the comments)

A special message from the Illinois Synod Bishops:

The Gospel according to Luke 4:

16When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

In churches across Illinois, this gospel was read on Sunday, January 26. It is a moment in which Jesus reads the words of the prophet Isaiah as the guiding light, the mission, for his work on earth.

It is also the mission of his church.

(Continued in the comments)

SamaraCare’s virtual Exploring Grief Group provides a safe and supportive environment for adults who have experienced the death of a spouse, friend, parent, partner, or other loved one. Experienced professional counselors facilitate the group, which consists of those from various spiritual orientations. Everyone is welcome.

For questions or to register, contact Joellen Hosler, PhD, M.Div, LCPC at 847-446-6955, ext. 419 or jhosler@samaracarecounseling.org.

#grief #support #lakeforestillinois

SamaraCare’s virtual Exploring Grief Group provides a safe and supportive environment for adults who have experienced the death of a spouse, friend, parent, partner, or other loved one. Experienced professional counselors facilitate the group, which consists of those from various spiritual orientations. Everyone is welcome.

For questions or to register, contact Joellen Hosler, PhD, M.Div, LCPC at 847-446-6955, ext. 419 or jhosler@samaracarecounseling.org.

#grief #support #lakeforestillinois

The #verseoftheweek for January 26, 2025 - Third Sunday after Epiphany. God’s glory is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of God’s glory. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

The #verseoftheweek for January 26, 2025 - Third Sunday after Epiphany. God’s glory is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of God’s glory. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God. #prepareyourheart #lutheranchurch #lakeforestillinois

Verse of the week for 1/12/25. #donotfear #votw

Verse of the week for 1/12/25. #donotfear #votw

Enjoy a piece from our recent Holiday Brass Celebration! Here is a combined group performance of our own St. James Brass Ensemble, directed by Ryan Ringalda, and the Chicago Brass Band, led by Dr. Mark A. Taylor. 🎷🎼🎺

Bizet's "Farandole" by St. James Brass Ensemble and the Chicago Brass Band on December 22, 2024.

Enjoy a piece from our recent Holiday Brass Celebration! Here is a combined group performance of our own St. James Brass Ensemble, directed by Ryan Ringalda, and the Chicago Brass Band, led by Dr. Mark A. Taylor. 🎷🎼🎺

Bizet's "Farandole" by St. James Brass Ensemble and the Chicago Brass Band on December 22, 2024.

Wishing you joy and hope as we welcome the New Year! #happynewyear2025 #faith #hope #love #greatestoftheseislove ❤

Wishing you joy and hope as we welcome the New Year! #happynewyear2025 #faith #hope #love #greatestoftheseislove ❤

Join us for our Christmas Eve service at 4:30pm at St. James Lutheran Church in Lake Forest. #allarewelcome #lakeforestillinois #candlelightservice

Join us for our Christmas Eve service at 4:30pm at St. James Lutheran Church in Lake Forest. #allarewelcome #lakeforestillinois #candlelightservice

Please note there will be a bit of a change to office hours through the end of the year: 9-3pm on Tues, Dec 24 & 31. Closed Dec 25-27 and Jan 1. Happy naps to all! 🥱💤

Please note there will be a bit of a change to office hours through the end of the year: 9-3pm on Tues, Dec 24 & 31. Closed Dec 25-27 and Jan 1. Happy naps to all! 🥱💤

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